Police, community and calendar briefs for Wednesday, Aug. 27

Published: Wednesday, August 27, 2014 at 10:34 p.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, August 27, 2014 at 10:34 p.m.

The sudden death of a Marion County Sheriff’s Office employee on May 10 was caused by a heart condition, according to the Ocala Police Department, which investigated the case.

An autopsy on Brian C. Gibson, 30, did not find anything unusual, and there was no sign of foul play, authorities said.

Gibson worked in the Emergency Management Bureau. On the morning of May 10, he helped an employee open a department vehicle. Later that day, a member of the SWAT team saw Gibson’s car parked in a spot normally reserved for SWAT vehicles. That deputy notified another deputy — the person Gibson had helped earlier — who got a set of spare keys to move Gibson’s vehicle. When the deputy opened the car door, he found Gibson slumped over in the driver’s seat.

Gibson had been a manager in Emergency Services Planning since July 2013. His career included eight years in public safety, six of those in fire service. He held a number of certifications with various agencies.

Gibson was fondly remembered on May 21 during a training seminar at the Sheriff’s Office primarily organized by him for first responders to learn more about the U.S. National Grid system.

Officers to focus on holiday safety

In 2013, there were nearly 1,000 alcohol related fatalities across Florida. Leading up to the Labor Day weekend, law enforcement agencies in Florida and Georgia on Wednesday again joined forces for “Hands Across the Border,” an annual traffic safety campaign.

Officers will crack down on unsafe driving through saturation patrols and checkpoints throughout the week.

COMMUNITY

Equine-themed block party set

There will be a free block party from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Marion Theatre, 50 S. Magnolia Ave., Ocala.

The event will include music, activities for children, raffles, prizes and food trucks.

The party will be followed by a screening of the movie “50 to 1,” which tells the story of Mine That Bird, the underdog horse that won the Kentucky Derby in 2009. The cost for the movie is $8, which includes a snack.

For tickets or information, call 629-6300 or email info@mariontheatre.org.

Communication workshop planned

Time to Talk-No More Silence, an event for parents and children ages 12 and older, will take place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Sept. 4 at the Klein Conference Center on the College of Central Florida campus, 3001 SW College Road.

The free program and dinner will include separate workshops for parents and teens, as well as giveaways.

Reservations are not required, but are encouraged. To learn more, call 438-5990 or email monica@breakthesilenceonviolence.org.

Child safety event to be held Sept. 6

There will be a free Operation Kidsafe event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 6 at Palm Kia, 2305 SW College Road, Ocala.

Local local law enforcement and first responders will be involved.

Operation KidSafe captures a child’s picture and fingerprints using specialized software. An 8½-by-11 printout is given to the parent and can be used by law enforcement in case of an emergency. No database or records are maintained. The only record of the visit goes home with the parent.

Also offered will be child, home, driving and personal safety tips; fitness challenges; food; fun activities for families; and more.

<p>POLICE BEAT</p><p><strong>Sheriff's employee autopsy released</strong></p><p>The sudden death of a Marion County Sheriff's Office employee on May 10 was caused by a heart condition, according to the Ocala Police Department, which investigated the case.</p><p>An autopsy on Brian C. Gibson, 30, did not find anything unusual, and there was no sign of foul play, authorities said. </p><p>Gibson worked in the Emergency Management Bureau. On the morning of May 10, he helped an employee open a department vehicle. Later that day, a member of the SWAT team saw Gibson's car parked in a spot normally reserved for SWAT vehicles. That deputy notified another deputy — the person Gibson had helped earlier — who got a set of spare keys to move Gibson's vehicle. When the deputy opened the car door, he found Gibson slumped over in the driver's seat.</p><p>Gibson had been a manager in Emergency Services Planning since July 2013. His career included eight years in public safety, six of those in fire service. He held a number of certifications with various agencies.</p><p>Gibson was fondly remembered on May 21 during a training seminar at the Sheriff's Office primarily organized by him for first responders to learn more about the U.S. National Grid system.</p><p><strong>Officers to focus on holiday safety</strong></p><p>In 2013, there were nearly 1,000 alcohol related fatalities across Florida. Leading up to the Labor Day weekend, law enforcement agencies in Florida and Georgia on Wednesday again joined forces for “Hands Across the Border,” an annual traffic safety campaign.</p><p>Officers will crack down on unsafe driving through saturation patrols and checkpoints throughout the week.</p><p> </p><p>COMMUNITY</p><p><strong>Equine-themed block party set</strong></p><p>There will be a free block party from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Marion Theatre, 50 S. Magnolia Ave., Ocala.</p><p>The event will include music, activities for children, raffles, prizes and food trucks.</p><p>The party will be followed by a screening of the movie “50 to 1,” which tells the story of Mine That Bird, the underdog horse that won the Kentucky Derby in 2009. The cost for the movie is $8, which includes a snack.</p><p>For tickets or information, call 629-6300 or email info@mariontheatre.org.</p><p><strong>Communication workshop planned</strong></p><p>Time to Talk-No More Silence, an event for parents and children ages 12 and older, will take place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Sept. 4 at the Klein Conference Center on the College of Central Florida campus, 3001 SW College Road.</p><p>The free program and dinner will include separate workshops for parents and teens, as well as giveaways.</p><p>Reservations are not required, but are encouraged. To learn more, call 438-5990 or email monica@breakthesilenceonviolence.org.</p><p><strong>Child safety event to be held Sept. 6</strong></p><p>There will be a free Operation Kidsafe event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 6 at Palm Kia, 2305 SW College Road, Ocala.</p><p>Local local law enforcement and first responders will be involved.</p><p>Operation KidSafe captures a child's picture and fingerprints using specialized software. An 8½-by-11 printout is given to the parent and can be used by law enforcement in case of an emergency. No database or records are maintained. The only record of the visit goes home with the parent.</p><p>Also offered will be child, home, driving and personal safety tips; fitness challenges; food; fun activities for families; and more.</p><p>Palm Kia will collect non-perishable food and personal care items for Interfaith Emergency Services. For more information, call 629-8011 or visit www.PalmChevyKia.com.</p><p><strong>Village Market set for Dunnellon</strong></p><p>The next First Saturday Village Market will take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 6 in the Dunnellon Historic Village District.</p><p>In addition to offerings from village merchants, vendors will offer antiques, plants, jewelry, furniture, books, housewares, clothing and accessories, tools, produce and baked goods. </p><p>For more information, call 465-9200.</p><p><strong>Gallery East to hold artists reception</strong></p><p>There will be an artists reception and open house from 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 12 at the Gallery East Art Center, 11761 SE US 441, Belleview.</p><p>The guest artist will be Vandy Shake; featured member artists will include Lee Murphy and Juan Carlos Cahue. The event will include art drawings, wine and cheese. For more information, call 245-2781.</p><p><strong>Chamber Music concert planned</strong></p><p>Bass-baritone Stephen Saxon will return for the Marion Chamber Music Society's opening concert at 3 p.m Sept. 14 at Queen of Peace Church, 6455 State Road 200, Ocala.</p><p>The event is free. For more information call 867-1340 or visit www.marionchambermusic.com.</p><p><strong>Tutors for Kids needs volunteers</strong></p><p>The nonprofit group Tutors for Kids Inc. provides volunteer tutors in schools in Marion and surrounding counties.</p><p>Current volunteers come from Stonecrest, Del Webb Spruce Creek, Oak Run, On Top of the World, Spruce Creek South, The Villages and other communities. But new volunteers are needed.</p><p>An application must be completed and a routine background check for school security is required. Coordinators can help with paperwork and provide training.</p><p>Anyone interested can call Frank Russo and Carolyn Ruhe at 245-9709, or check http://www.tutorsforkidsinc.org/.</p><p>CALENDAR</p><p><b>TODAY</b></p><p>COMMUNITY MARKET: One-year anniversary, 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, 2250 NE 70th St., Ocala. Local jams/jellies, produce, plants, jewelry, animals, vendors, music of Haley Schroeder and more. (216-4524)</p><p>ENGAGE IN EDUCATION: Community roll-out, 5:30 p.m., Forest High School Auditorium, 5000 Southeast Maricamp Road, Ocala. (671-4167)</p><p>SEWING: American Sewing Guild, 9:30 a.m. to noon, Joy Lutheran Church, 7045 SW 83rd Place, Ocala. (307-5314 or 861-1188)</p><p>LOW-COST PET VACCINATIONS: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Tractor Supply, 7351 N. U.S. 441, Ocala. (867-7788)</p><p>SHINE TRAINING: Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders program, free training, Elder Options, 100 SW 75th St., Suite 301, Gainesville. Lunch provided; travel expenses reimbursed. (1-800-963-5337)</p><p>LIFESOUTH BLOODMOBILE: Publix, 3450 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Institute of Cardiovascular Excellence, 4730 SW 49th Road, Ocala, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (888-795-2707 or 622-3544)</p><p>T.O.P.S.: Taking Off Pounds Sensibly: 9 a.m., Spring Lake Village, 2450 NE 146th Terrace, Silver Springs. (625-3358); 10 a.m., Ocklawaha United Methodist Church, 13335 SE 123rd St., Ocklawaha. (347-2841); 10 a.m., Grace Baptist Church, 10835 SE 70th Ave., Belleview. (245-9593); 5 p.m., Dunnellon Women's Club, 11756 Cedar St., Dunnellon. (489-5641); and 7 p.m. Belleview Christian Church, 7149 SE County Road 25A, Belleview. (245-2603)</p><p>CHESS: Ocala Chess Club, 5 to 8 p.m., Marion County Public Library, 2720 E. Silver Springs Blvd. (812-4221)</p><p>LIONS: Ocala Lions Club, noon, Elks Lodge, 702 NE 25th Ave., Ocala. (ahall014@embarqmail.com)</p><p>KIWANIS: Silver Springs Shores Kiwanis Club, noon, Silver Springs Shores Presbyterian Church, 674 Silver Road, Ocala. (687-1119 or www.silverspringsshoreskiwanis.org)</p><p>BINGO: 6 p.m., American Legion Post 58, 10730 US 41, Dunnellon. (489-4453)</p><p>ACOUSTIC JAM: Musicians of all levels, 6 to 8:30 p.m., Forest Community Center, 777 S. County Road 314A, Ocklawaha. (438-2840)</p><p>QUILT CLUB: Pine Needles, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Forest Community Center, 777 S. County Road 314A, Ocklawaha. (438-2840)</p><p>OPEN JAM: Musicians and singers, 7 p.m., Orange Blossom Opry, 13939 SE County Road 42, Weirsdale. Starting at $12. (821-1201)</p><p>OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS: 6 p.m., St. Mark's United Methodist Church, 1839 NE Eighth Ave. Road, Room 4, Ocala. (425-2339) </p><p>SUPPORT GROUP: Sexual Assault Survivors Support Group, 10 a.m., Ocala Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Center. Call for location. (622-8495)</p><p>THREAD THERAPY: Free gathering for needlecrafters, 3 to 5 p.m., Yards N Yarn LLC, 1913 NE 14th St., Suite 103, Ocala. (351-6110 or www.YardsNYarn.com)</p><p>QUILTERS: Scrappy Angel Quilters, 9:30 a.m. to noon, Memorial Baptist Church, 3693 SE 95th St., Ocala. (671-6466 or Beverly.brown@hiers-baxley.net)</p><p>ROTARY: Ocala Silver Springs Rotary, noon to 1 p.m., St. Marks United Methodist Church,</p><p>1839 NE Eighth Road, Ocala. (207-1247)</p><p>ASK ARNOLD: Computer assistance, noon to 2 p.m. Freedom Public Library, 5870 SW 95 St., Ocala. (438-2580)</p><p>BOOK STORE: Friends of Belleview Public Library have books for sale at Friends Book Nook, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday-Saturday, 6007 SE Earp Road, Belleview. (438-2500 or 245-2767)</p>